ENGINEERING COMMITTEE

Interface Practices Subcommittee

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

ANSI/SCTE 99 2009

Test Method For

Axial Pull Connector/Drop Cable
 NOTICE

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Standards are intended to serve the
public interest by providing specifications, test methods and procedures that promote uniformity
of product, interchangeability and ultimately the long term reliability of broadband
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shall the existence of such standards preclude their voluntary use by those other than SCTE
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SCTE assumes no obligations or liability whatsoever to any party who may adopt the Standards.
Such adopting party assumes all risks associated with adoption of these Standards, and accepts
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Attention is called to the possibility that implementation of this standard may require the use of
subject matter covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with
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be responsible for identifying patents for which a license may be required or for conducting
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© Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. 2009

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SCOPE .........................................................................................................1

2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES ...................................................................1

3.0 EQUIPMENT ..............................................................................................1

4.0 TEST SAMPLES .........................................................................................3

5.0 TEST PROCEDURE ...................................................................................3

6.0 DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................4

7.0 TEST DATA – AXIAL PULL CONNECTOR/DROP CABLE ASSY ......5

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1.0 SCOPE

1.1 The purpose of this document is to provide a test method for measuring the axial
force required to cause one or more of the following conditions:

1.1.1 Cable structural failure.

1.1.2 Connector structural failure.

1.1.3 Separation due to slip at the connector/ cable interface.

2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES

The following documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated
were valid. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreement based on this
standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions
of the documents listed below:

2.1 ANSI/SCTE 33 2001: Test Method for Diameter of Drop Cable

3.0 EQUIPMENT

3.1 A “tensile test machine” (Instron Model 1122 or equivalent) with a means of
recording the test data and appropriate grips (as required). It may be desirable to
have an automatic “cut-off” feature that can be activated by a “maximum
excursion limit” setting and/or “maximum force limit”. The machine should have
a 500 pound load capability with a system accuracy of ±0.5 percent over the range
in use.

3.2 Machinist’s outside micrometer or dial caliper calibrated to read directly to at

least 0.001 inch or 0.01 mm, with each division of a width that facilitates
estimation of each measurement to 0.0005 inch or 0.0127 mm.

3.3 Test adapters as shown in figure 1, or equivalent.

Note: There are alternative methods for attaching the test fixture to various
devices. The intent of the diagram is to provide a uniform dimensional “F”
Female port.

3.4 “F” Connectors of interest.

3.5 Cable of interest.

3.6 Tools

3.6.1 Cable preparation tool

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 3.6.2 Connector attachment tool

3.7 Temperature chamber capable of maintaining a temperature range of - 40°F to

140°F.

NOTE:

Environmental enclosures may be used to surround the test samples and test
adapter assemblies to maintain test temperature.

Figure 1 – Test Adapter

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4.0 TEST SAMPLES

4.1 Cable dimensions should be recorded per ANSI/SCTE 33 2001.

4.2 Cut the cable in suitable lengths for the test device and attachment method.

4.3 Prepare the cable ends per connector manufacturer’s instructions using cable
preparation tool.

4.4 Install connectors to the cable ends and attach per connector manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

4.5 A minimum of 5 samples are prepared.

5.0 TEST PROCEDURE

5.1 Samples are prepared per section 4.0 and each sample shall be at the test
temperature of interest for at least 30 minutes prior to performing the test.

Note:

To achieve consistent results, at other than room temperature, a cold/hot chamber

may surround the test sample and adapters.

5.2 Secure test adapters to the tensile test machine ensuring the distance between the
test adapters do not place stress on the test assembly during installation.

5.3 Affix test assembly to the test adapters and firmly tighten.

5.4 Operate tensile test machine to take “slack” out of test assembly.

5.4.1 If applicable, close and activate temperature enclosure for test

temperatures other than ambient ensuring temperature stabilization of
test assembly.

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 5.5 Ensure that equipment data recording feature is operational and set for expected
range.

5.6 Measurements are taken using a crosshead speed of 2 in/min.

5.7 Operate the tensile test equipment per the manufacturer’s recommended
procedure.

5.8 Conclude test when either the load indication drops to zero or failure is observed.

5.9 The X/Y display obtained from the recording indicates the actual forces and
deflections of the connector and cable assembly. Record the maximum tensile
strength peak value as indicated by the recording device.

6.0 DOCUMENTATION

6.1 Data sheet should contain:

6.1.1 Title of test

6.1.2 Cable sample description, manufacturer and part number

6.1.3 Connector sample description, manufacturer and part number

6.1.4 Cable preparation dimensions

6.1.5 Type and size of tools used

6.1.6 Crosshead separation speed

6.1.7 Full scale load range

6.1.8 Test temperature

6.1.9 Maximum tensile strength recorded.

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7.0 TEST DATA – AXIAL PULL CONNECTOR/DROP CABLE ASSEMBLY

TENSILE PULL TEST DOCUMENTATION FOR CONNECTOR/DROP CABLE

ASSEMBLY.

7.1. CABLE DESCRIPTION

7.1.1. Cable Manufacturer/Part Number

7.1.2. Cable Type

7.1.3. Jacket Material

7.1.4. Jacket Outside Diameter

7.2. CONNECTOR DESCRIPTION

7.2.1. Connector Manufacturer/Part Number

7.3. PREPARATION DESCRIPTION

7.3.1. Prep Tool Used

7.3.2. Prep Dimensions –

7.3.2.1. Braid

7.3.2.2. Dielectric

7.3.2.3. Center Conductor________________________________

7.3.3. Connector to Cable Tool Used

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7.4. TEST SETUP DESCRIPTION

Crosshead Speed Full Scale Load Test Temperature

7.5. AXIAL LOAD

Sample Maximum Load

1

Average